1110 KFAB Local News

Tight Budget Forces Temporary Shutdown Of State Parks

(AP) _

Nebraska Game and Parks commissioners say a tight budget is forcing the temporary closure of nearly 30 parks.

The commissioners said in a news release Friday that the closings will allow the redirection of department staffers to help reduce more than $30 million in deferred maintenance. That also will help the state comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and environmental concerns.

Most of the state recreation areas and historical parks on the list will close Sept. 16 and reopen May 1.

Vehicle access to boat ramps will remain open at Riverview, Pelican Point and Sutherland’s Hershey Beach.

State historical parks that will close Sept. 16 and reopen May 1, 2014, are Ash Hollow, Buffalo Bill and Fort Hartsuff. The closure of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City will be delayed until Sept. 23, following the Applejack Festival. It will reopen April 23, 2014, for the Arbor Day celebration.

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park and Alexandria State Recreation Area will close Oct. 7 and reopen May 1, 2014. Fort Atkinson’s dates accommodate the annual living history weekend Oct. 5-6. The delayed closure at Alexandria accommodates a concessionaire's services.